Shell vessel leaks 1,500 litres of oil into harbour

A CLEAN-UP operation was taking place after around 1,500 litres of oil leaked into Aberdeen Harbour.

The spill occurred on Friday afternoon when the Skandi Foula, an offshore supply vessel owned by Shell, was being refuelled at Torry dock.

It is understood that around 500 litres of oil were recovered, and work continued throughout the night to clear the remainder.

A spokesman for Shell said the leak had been stopped and the area has been cordoned off. The supply vessel will be taken into dry docks for possible repairs.

It is the second reported oil spill the company has experienced in as many months.

In August, the oil giant faced criticism after more than 200 tonnes of oil spilled into the North Sea from its Gannet Alpha platform, about two miles east of Aberdeen. It was the worst oil spill in the region in more than a decade.

The remaining fuel had created a “light sheen” on the surface of the water, a spokeswoman said.

She said: “There are no reports of any oil outside the Torry dock in the River Dee.”